So, we’ve just been to Amsterdam to chill out for a few days.  The weather was lovely – although there was one day of rain which could put Manchester’s rainy days to shame – literally it must have downpoured none stop for about four hours!  We were forced to find shelter in a cafe with a few drinks until the rain called quits (it’s a dirty job but someone has to do it!)

Amsterdam is a very attractive city with a fantastic network of canals and tree lined streets.  We had a great time strolling round and lazily checking out all the different styles of buildings.  We visited a few museums and took an obligatory barge ride.  Given my book geekery I’m sharing with you a couple of literature related pics.

A library – in the middle of the Rijksmuseum – of course you can’t actually get around this – it’s all protected but you can just stand and stare at all the books longingly!  and check out the spiral staircase.

The picture on the right was also from the Rijksmuseum and I just liked it – plus it was kind of fitting to the book I was reading which was The House of the Four Winds.

Also, and unbelievable as it may sound – we checked out this cafe bar simply because of the name which in spite of the slightly different spelling has LoTR overtures – meaning we simply had to go inside.  We had to – REALLY!  You never know – Aragorn could have been nestled away in a dark corner.  And, anyway it would be rude to just walk on by.  Colour me happy.  This place has so many beers to choose from – if you like beer then prepare to be deliriously happy.  The wall is covered with boards and boards and boards of possibilities to choose from.  I rather latched onto a delicious sour cherry beer.  Then to top it off we were surprised by an impromptu performance by a Jamaican artist known as Brushy One String – which was absolutely fantastic.

A good time all round.  I won’t turn this into a massive tourist post – just wanted to share a few pics.

Hope you’ve all had a fab weekend.